Card game with auxiliary game

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method of playing a card game which includes a main sub-game and an auxiliary sub-game, the method comprising the steps of: providing to the player an option of playing the auxiliary sub-game according to pre-determined auxiliary sub-game rules, said playing including placing a bet on the auxiliary sub-game; dealing cards to the player; allowing the dealer to deal cards to itself; if the total of the point value of the cards dealt to the player equals the total of the point value of the cards dealt to the dealer, determining that a winning outcome has been achieved by the player in the main sub-game; if such a winning outcome has been achieved, awarding the player a prize in accordance with said main sub-game rules based on the cards dealt to the player; if the player&#39;s and dealer&#39;s cards have the same point value, allowing the player to enter the auxiliary sub-game; and determining if the player has achieved a winning outcome in the auxiliary sub-game based on the player&#39;s cards in the main sub-game.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a card game, in particular a game involving a main sub-game and an auxiliary sub-game. Preferably, the main sub-game is Blackjack or a variant thereof.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Card games have always been popular as wagering games. One of the more popular card games, especially for gambling or gaming uses, is the card game known as Blackjack (or “21”) wherein a player plays against a dealer. In Blackjack, cards are dealt to the player and by the dealer to itself. The object for each of the player and the dealer is to be dealt cards with a point value as close as possible to 21.

In Blackjack, each picture card (Jack, Queen and King) has a point-value of 10 while the Ace has a point-value of either 1 or 11. The other cards, namely 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s and 10s have point-values equivalent to their face values (i.e., respectively, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10).

The participant (player or dealer) with a point value closer to 21 wins the game, provided that the point value does not exceed 21. If a participant is dealt a card which causes that participant's total point value to exceed 21, that participant is regarded as “busting” or having “bust” or “busted” and that participant loses the Blackjack game.

Typically, in casinos or other gambling venues, players will place bets when playing Blackjack. If the player loses the game, the amount bet is forfeited. If the player wins, a prize amount is awarded to the player, and this is usually determined based on the amount of the bet and the rules applicable to the particular game.

The option of standing is available to the player after being dealt two initial cards. The player then has the option of being dealt more cards until the player is satisfied with the point value or has busted.

After a player has played to completion (assuming that the player has not busted), the dealer will have already dealt two cards to itself, and can then continue dealing itself further cards.

Indeed, according to typical Blackjack rules, one card is dealt to each of the players face up, and then one card is dealt by the dealer to itself face down. After that, a second card is dealt face up to the player (or to each of the players where there is more than one), and then a second card is dealt to the dealer face up. Each player can choose to stand or draw additional cards until a total of less than 21 has been reached or until the player exceeds 21 and busts.

Also, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, players can “double down” or “split” matching cards depending on the rules of the venue (typically a Casino) in which the game is being played.

After each player has drawn its cards, the dealer then reveals the second card and then plays out the hand.

If the cards already dealt to the dealer have the total point value that does not exceed 16, the dealer is obliged to deal one or more cards to itself. In some Casinos or gaming establishments the dealer is obliged to deal one or more cards to itself when the dealer's dealt hand has a point value of 17 or less where the hand includes an Ace which is considered as having an 11 point-value. This is known as a “soft 17”.

If the dealer busts, each player wins. If a total of 17 to 21 is reached by the dealer, only players with a score greater than the dealer, but not exceeding 21, win.

Because the dealer continues to deal further cards (after the first two) only after the player has played to completion, the casino has an advantage over the player because the player loses the game if the player busts.

As the cards are dealt to the player, the player may exercise strategies such as choosing not to be dealt any further cards. The player may choose this option to avoid the risk of busting and also in the hope that the dealer will bust (and thereby lose the game) as he deals cards to himself. This option of not being dealt further cards is known as “standing”.

Alternatively, the player may choose to be dealt further cards in the hope of having a total point value closer to, but not exceeding, 21. This receiving of further cards is referred to as “hitting” or “taking a hit”.

If the dealer and player end with a total point value that equals to that of the other (but not exceeding 21), then this is referred to as a “push” or “standoff”. In such a case, where the player has placed a bet on the game, the player typically does not forfeit the amount bet.

Blackjack remains the most popular card game in casinos, with many more card tables usually dedicated to blackjack than to all other card games combined.

In mechanical, electromechanical, electronic or video versions of the Blackjack game, a virtual dealer's hand is provided.

A Blackjack game can be played by one or more players. Where there is more than one player, the players in effect, play individually against the dealer.

There are many variants on strategies that can be used in playing Blackjack. For example, when a player sees a dealer's exposed card as a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, the player may choose to stand if the player's hand has a point-value of 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16. In this situation, the dealer's hand has a point value of 16 or less, and according to the house rule, the dealer must hit and obtain another card. The objective of the player is that with the exposed card being generally incapable of having a starting point value where the dealer may stand, the dealer will probably take hits to a total point value that exceeds 21 and therefore bust. As a result the player will win the hand.

Players also have the option of splitting any pairs (i.e., a pair of cards of identical point count value, such as two face cards, a 10 and a face card, a pair of 10s, a pair of 9s, a pair of 3's, etc.).

Blackjack players have several strategic options, such as to “double down” (i.e. double their bet and receive only one more card), or to double their bet when they split a pair of cards. Another common option is to be eligible for a prize award of 1½ times the value of the bet placed if they are dealt an Ace together with a 10 or picture card.

Blackjack is a relatively fast-playing card game, and this contributes to its desirability to players. However, it is always desirable to offer players opportunities for variations in the game to maintain their interest in the long term. In particular, additional betting options other than just varying the size of bets placed are desirable to many Blackjack players. It is also desirable to Blackjack players to have a chance to win an extra jackpot without the risk of losing a large bet.

Attempts have been made to vary the game of Blackjack to a relatively minor degree to provide a player with betting options in addition to those of the typical Blackjack game as mentioned above.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,570 (Karal) discloses a Blackjack card game in which a player has extended betting opportunities after the player's hand has reached a desired point value. Specifically, the player can bet on whether the point value of the dealer will be higher (but not exceeding 21) than that of the player's hand. This supplemental bet or wager by the player is placed prior to the dealer revealing the dealer's face-down card. Predetermined odds on the different possible combinations of the dealer's hand are selected by the player by the selection of the point value of the dealer's hand. Also, the player can wager on the point value of the dealer's only face down card. Furthermore, the player can bet on the point value of the third dealer's card, etc. The odds presented in this U.S. patent range from 10 to 1 (on an Ace being the dealer's face-down card or the next card to be drawn by the dealer). Picture cards including 10s have a 2 to 1 betting ratio.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,416 (Schorr et al) also discloses a Blackjack card game in which a player can bet on the dealer's hand, the player's hand or for a push. The bet for a push pays 9 to 1, the bet for the player's hand is even money (1 for 1), and the bet on the dealer's hand is 5 for 6 (five chips can be won on a 6 chip bet).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,579 (Griffiths) discloses a Blackjack card game in which a separate bet can be made on whether the dealer will obtain exactly 21 or bust. Disclosed therein is a discussion of Royal Match 21 involving a separate bet by the Blackjack player in relation to whether the player's two initial cards are of the same suit (i.e. clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades). A higher payout applies when the Ace and King are received by the player in the same suit for the two initial cards, but there is no separate bet for the receipt of these two cards (only a payout if they are received when a bet is made for the receipt of two initial cards of the same suit). Also disclosed therein is a reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,041 (Jones et al), in which a separate bet on a Blackjack game is made in order to be eligible for certain specific jackpot hands (i.e., four 5s and an Ace, Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6).

Prior attempts at providing various betting options to players did not provide the opportunity to bet and win large awards (i.e. more than a thousand chips for each chip bet) or to bet on many different possible combinations that would pay more than one chip as payback for each chip bet, but that would still provide the Blackjack player, if desired, with a straight bet to beat the dealer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,575 describes a variant of the Blackjack game, in which a number of betting options are provided for the player. In addition to the standard betting option against the dealer, a dealer's bust option, a jackpot option where the player can obtain over 1,000 to 1 return payout and several other betting options are provided in relation to the receipt of various possible cards such as a 3 or a 6, a 4 or 5, a 10, Jack Queen, King or Ace for one or both of the initial two cards. The method of playing Blackjack against a dealer comprises the steps of providing a player with a jackpot betting option to place a bet and to have a possibility of winning more than one thousand times the bet made by the player; and providing the player with additional separate betting options to place a bet in relation to receiving at least one card in an initial two cards dealt to the player equal to one of a 4 and 5, one of a 3 and 6 and a selected one of a 10, a Jack, a Queen, a King and an Ace.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,730 describes a method for a wagering game which is achieved by providing a side bet opportunity during the play of a Twenty-One game. The player is given the opportunity to place this side bet with the hope of receiving winnings when certain predetermined card configurations are received. Upon receipt of these defined card configurations, the player is immediately paid winnings during the process of the Twenty-One game. These additional winnings are based on sequences of cards and are independent and separate from wagers in the Twenty-One game. Additionally, all of the predetermined card configurations are preferably chosen such that they will not interfere with the underlying Twenty-One game. As a basis for paying out winnings, it is required that the player consecutively receive these certain card configurations during the play of the Twenty-One game after having made a bet in expectation of those card configurations appearing. Also, the final configuration of the Twenty-One hand is irrelevant to the side bet game as the players win immediately when the predetermined configurations are received, long before completion of the hand. In particular, the player's receiving of identical value cards in sequence is awarded bonus amounts when a side wager is placed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,719 describes a card game that combines the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+3”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional 3-card Poker wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card Poker hand is determined, where a player's 3-card Poker hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack but also provides the dynamics of 3-card Poker, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.

“Over-Under 13” is a side bet game for Blackjack, in which a player may place an “over 13” or an “under 13” side bet on a blackjack hand. The player may bet that the player will receive an initial two card hand with a point count of either under or over 13. This side bet game is widely used in casinos in the United States.

D.E.Q. Casinos, Ltd. markets a game known as “Luck Jacks & Queens™.” which is played in conjunction with a side bet in a standard blackjack game. Regular blackjack rules apply, and an optional side bet for the side game is made. Receiving any combinations of a Jack and a Queen on the first two cards wins a randomly selected prize amount. Suited Queen and Jack combinations on the first two cards can win multiples of the randomly selected prize amounts. The random amount is selected and displayed on a meter attached to the table. There is no pay table.

However, these other attempts have not been successful because they do not provide a multitude of very exciting betting options combined with a large jackpot type of payout. In spite of the success of some of these card games, there is always a need to provide additional alternative for players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided method of playing a card game which includes a main sub-game and an auxiliary sub-game, the method comprising the steps of:

inviting at least one player to play the main sub-game according to pre-determined main sub-game rules;

providing, to the player, an option of playing the auxiliary sub-game according to pre-determined auxiliary sub-game rules, said playing including placing a bet on the auxiliary sub-game;

dealing at least one playing card, having a point value, to the player, by way of a dealer;

allowing the dealer to deal at least one playing card, having a point value, to itself;

if the total of the point value of the at least one card dealt to the player equals the total of the point value of the at least one card dealt to the dealer, determining that a potential winning outcome has been achieved by the player in the auxiliary sub-game where the player has elected to play the auxiliary sub-game;

if such a potential winning outcome has been achieved, awarding the player a prize in accordance with said auxiliary sub-game rules based at least partially on the at least one card dealt to the player.

Preferably, the step of dealing at least one playing card is constituted by dealing at least two playing cards, and the step of allowing the dealer to deal at least one playing card is constituted by allowing the dealer to deal at least two playing cards.

Preferably, said step of awarding the player a prize in accordance with said auxiliary sub-game rules includes determining a ranking of a combination of cards constituting said at least one card dealt to the player according to Poker rules.

Preferably, the main sub-game is one of Blackjack, Spanish 21, and 21.

It is preferred that method of playing a card game further includes the step of awarding the player a prize in accordance with said main sub-game rules in the event that the point value of the at least one card dealt to the player is closer to 21 than that of the dealer provided that neither the point value relating to the player or dealer exceeds 21.

Preferably, the step of inviting at least one player to play the main sub-game includes inviting the player to place a bet on the main sub-game.

Preferably, the step of inviting at least one player to play the main sub-game includes inviting the player to place a bet on the main sub-game prior to the step of dealing at least one playing card to the player.

Preferably, said placing a bet on the auxiliary sub-game is constituted by placing the bet prior to the step of dealing at least one playing card to the player.

Preferably, the card game is played on an electronically operable system, wherein said dealer is a virtual dealer

Preferably, said electronically operable system includes at least one of: a gaming machine, a hand-held gaming device and the Internet.

In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “comprising” has the non-exclusive meaning of the word, in the sense of “including at least” rather than the exclusive meaning in the sense of “consisting only of”. The same applies with corresponding grammatical changes to other forms of the word such as “comprise”, “comprises” and so on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, FIG. 1, which is a diagrammatic representation of a card gaming table for playing a card game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides a card game with a main sub-game and an auxiliary sub-game for a player to place bets on. It is possible to provide multiple auxiliary sub-games, but for simplicity, the invention is described in relation to one main sub-game and one auxiliary sub-game.

According to the preferred embodiment, the main sub-game is Blackjack or a close variant of this such as “21” or Spanish 21 (Pontoon), and the auxiliary sub-game section is a poker-related game. The invention will be described below in these terms.

The player has multiple options in betting. The game allows the player to bet on the main sub-game, the auxiliary sub-game or both at the same time. The bets are usually placed before any cards are dealt. Once all the bets are placed, the game starts and the dealer begins distributing cards to each player.

The main sub-game is played first. All the players who place bets whether on the main sub-game, auxiliary sub-game or both, will participate in the main sub-game. When the main sub-game is completed, any awards due on that sub-game will be decided. Those who lose in the main sub-game will not proceed to the auxiliary sub-game. Also, those who do not place any bet in the auxiliary sub-game will not proceed to the auxiliary sub-game.

Those players who did not lose in the main sub-game and who have bet in the auxiliary sub-game, they will proceed to the auxiliary sub-game.

In the auxiliary sub-game, the participating players will keep their hands from the main sub-game. Those hands are used to determine the outcome of the auxiliary sub-game, by determining whether certain criteria have been met. The award payout for winning the auxiliary sub-game is usually larger than that of the main sub-game. The winning players' hands are used to determine the amount to be paid out.

According to a preferred embodiment, a pay-out table is used for determining prizes awarded for cards based on the particular combination of cards.

In one embodiment, the bet on the auxiliary sub-game relates to whether, at the completion of the main sub-game (Blackjack) the player's point value and dealer's point value are equal (which is known as a push).

The probability of a push occurring is typically 11:1. However, there are strategies to increase the chance of a push occurring. For example, a player can increase the likelihood of attaining a push by ignoring what may otherwise be regarded as a “best strategy” when playing Blackjack, by hitting at any time that the player's total is less than 16, regardless of the dealer's hand. This is because having a total of between 17 and 21 increases the likelihood of a push occurring as the dealer is obliged to hit when its score is below 17, so that the dealer is effectively also obliged to have a score within the range of 17 to 21 (beyond which the dealer will bust.

The player makes the bet on the auxiliary sub-game by placing the amount bet (typically in the form of betting chips) on a predetermined area of the card table. After the player's cards and the dealer's cards have been dealt, the regular Blackjack game is played, and the bet on the auxiliary sub-game is resolved according to the rules of that sub-game.

The player may vary the strategies of the main sub-game (Blackjack) to increase the probability of winning the auxiliary sub-game which bears a higher prize. To accommodate this, certain variations to the procedure for playing the game may be permissible. For example, when a player splits a hand, the player may place another bet on the predetermined area of the table for the auxiliary sub-game and then the main sub-game (Blackjack) continues.

In another variation of the rules of standard Blackjack or Spanish 21, certain hands may be split into two (or sometimes more) hands, where a first one of those hands is played as part of the game underway, and a second one of the split hands is played as part of a subsequent game. Where this occurs, the following may apply:

-   -   1) Bets made in relation to the auxiliary sub-game of the game         underway continue to relate to that auxiliary sub-game (to which         the “first” hand relates), and subsequent hands that stem from         the split are then not eligible to form part of that same         auxiliary sub-game.     -   2) The player is however given the opportunity to place another         bet on the auxiliary sub-game forming part of the second game,         for an amount equal to that bet on the auxiliary sub-game of the         first game.

In either case the main sub-game (Blackjack or Spanish 21) continues, with each split hand treated as a separate hand in its own right.

The player can either be paid a set amount for each win of the auxiliary sub-game, or an amount determined by the cards in the player's hand. Where the cards in the player's hand determine the prize awarded, and the player has a number of cards exceeding that required to form a suitable winning poker hand, the player is given the opportunity to select those cards that form the best available poker hand, using a maximum of three cards. Only one poker hand can be formed per hand.

Regardless of the exact nature of the main-sub-game (whether Blackjack or another type of game), according to a preferred embodiment the playing of the current game may be regarded as involving the following:

-   -   1. the player placing at least one bet on the main sub-game         and/or placing a bet on the auxiliary sub-game;     -   2. the dealer dealing a first number of cards to each player;     -   3. the dealer dealing a second number of cards to the dealer;     -   4. displaying at least one of the player's cards; and     -   5. displaying at least one of the dealer's cards.

Then, if at the completion of the main sub-game the point value of the player's hand and that of the dealer are equal, the player may be awarded a prize. If the main sub-game is a Blackjack game, this will only occur where neither participant nor dealer has busted. In addition, this will only occur where the player has used no more than three cards to form the best available poker hand. The prize is awarded on the basis of that hand.

It will be appreciated that this discussion about the award to the player based on the auxiliary sub-game is apart from any award that may be made to the player in relation to the main sub-game in cases where the player is eligible for such award.

According to a preferred embodiment, the main sub-game comprises Blackjack in which the first two cards dealt to the player are dealt face-up.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, only the first card dealt to the dealer is placed face-up.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, in determining the award to a player who has placed a bet on the auxiliary sub-game, the award is decide using a table of specific poker patterns with which the player's revealed cards are compared.

All pay tables mentioned or displayed are based on different strategies for getting a push in Blackjack. The house may adjust the probabilities and the payout figures for each of the possible poker rankings such as any 2 cards, any 3 cards, three of a kind, straight, pair, flush, and straight flush.

The game according to the preferred embodiment of the invention may be summarised as follows.

The main sub-game (Blackjack, “21” or Spanish 21, Pontoon) is played. At the completion of that sub-game, according to the standard rules, if the player and dealer push, then where a bet is placed on the auxiliary sub-game, the player wins according to the player's hand at that time.

Where the player “busts” (according to the standard rules), then the player loses the auxiliary sub-game and forfeits the amount that was bet. Similarly, if neither the player nor dealer busts, but where there is no push, the auxiliary sub-game is not triggered and the amount bet by the player on that sub-game is forfeited.

Set out below are examples of games played to further illustrate features of the invention. In each of the examples, the main sub-game is Blackjack. Each of the examples involves a dealer and three players (Player 1, Player 2 and Player 3) playing at a gaming table. In addition, according to each of the examples, the players place bets as follows:

-   -   Player 1 places a bet of $10 on the main sub-game and a bet of         $2 on the auxiliary sub-game,     -   Player 2 places a bet of $5 on the main sub-game, but places no         bet on auxiliary sub-game,     -   Player 3 places no bet on the main sub-game but does place a bet         on of $10 on the auxiliary sub-game, And     -   The dealer deals from a randomly shuffled set of four decks of         cards, and deals initial two-card hands in the following         sequence:         -   i. a first card (face up) to Player 1,         -   ii. a first card (face up) to Player 2,         -   iii. a first card (face up) to Player 3,         -   iv. a first card (face down) to the dealer,         -   v. a second card (face up) to Player 1,         -   vi. a second card (face up) to Player 2,         -   vii. a second card (face up) to Player 3, and         -   viii. a second card (face up) to the dealer.

Example 1 Hands Dealt

-   -   a) Player 1's hand has a 10 and a 7 (total 17);     -   b) Player 2's hand has a Jack (point value of 10) and a 6 (total         16);     -   c) Player 3's hand has an 8 and a 6 (total 14); and     -   d) the Dealer's face-up card is a 4 (total 4).

Participants Subsequent Actions:

-   -   Player 1 stands on 17.     -   Player 2 stands on 16.     -   Player 3 hits and receives a 3 resulting a total point value of         17.     -   Player 3 stands.     -   The dealer shows the second card which is a 6.     -   the dealer hits and draws a third card which is a 7 so that the         dealer's point count is now 17.

Analysis:

-   -   Player 1 and Player 3 both have a push.     -   Player 1 does not lose the main sub-game or forfeit the bet         placed thereon.     -   Player 1 receives an award for the auxiliary sub-game based on         the two cards that player 1 has together with the bet placed on         that sub-game.     -   Player 2 loses the main sub-game and forfeits the bet placed         therein as a result of having a point value lower than that of         the dealer.     -   Player 3 is receives an award for winning the auxiliary sub-game         based on the three cards which that player has and the bet that         was placed on that sub-game.

Example 2 Hands Dealt

-   -   a) Player 1's hand has a Jack (point value of 10) and a 3 (total         13).     -   b) Player 2's hand has a 10 and a 2 (total 12).     -   c) Player 3's hand has a Jack (point value of 10) and an Ace         (point value of 1 or 11) (total 11 or 21).     -   d) The dealer's face-up card is a Queen (point value of 10).

Participants Subsequent Actions:

-   -   Player 1 hits and receives a 10 for a total of 23.     -   Player 2 hits and draws a 6 for a total of 18.     -   Player 3 stands with a Blackjack.     -   The dealer turns the second card face-up. This card is an 8 and         the dealer stands on 18.

Analysis:

-   -   Player 1 busts and loses both main sub-game and the auxiliary         sub-game and forfeits the bets placed on those sub-games.     -   Player 2 has a push, but does not receive any awards because no         bet was placed on the auxiliary sub-game.     -   Player 3 loses the auxiliary sub-game and forfeits the bet         placed thereon, as no push occurred.

Example 3 Hands Dealt

-   -   a) Player 1's hand has a 4 and a 3 (total 7);     -   b) Player 2's hand has a 10 and a 9 (total 19);     -   c) Player 3's hand has a Jack (point value of 10) and a 6 (total         16);     -   d) The dealer's face-up card is a 3.         Participants subsequent actions:     -   Player 1 hits on 7 and receives a 3 for a total of 10;     -   Player 1 draws a fourth card and gets an 8 for a total of 18,         and then stands;     -   Player 2 stands on 19;     -   Player 3 hits on 16 (this is because no standoff can occur         because, even if the dealer's hand were to have a total point         value of 16, the dealer would be obliged to hit in accordance         with Blackjack rules). Player 3 draws, receiving a 10 and         thereby busts;     -   The dealer turns the second cards face-up and this card is an 8         for a total of 11;     -   the dealer hits on 11 and receives a 7 for a total of 18.

Analysis:

-   -   Player 1 has a push.     -   Player 1 does not only avoid forfeiting the amount bet for the         underlying game, but also wins an award for the bet placed on         the auxiliary sub-game.     -   Player 1 can use the best three cards of the four dealt cards,         to make a Poker hand. In this Player chooses the pair of 3s and         the 8. Player 1 has a pair and is paid accordingly.     -   Player 2 has a push, but does not win the auxiliary sub-game as         no bet was placed thereon. However, Player 2 does not forfeit         the amount bet on the main sub-game due to having achieved a         push.     -   Player 3 loses the auxiliary sub-game as no push occurred.     -   Although the invention is described above with reference to         specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in         the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be         embodied in many other forms.

For example, the game may include a jackpot feature which is triggered when the player's hand when entering the auxiliary sub-game matches the dealer's hand at that stage. For instance, the main sub-game of Blackjack may be completed with both the player and dealer having a total of 18 where the player and dealer both have a 5, a 6, and a 7.

Although the invention is described above with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms.

For example, the card game can be played on an electronically operable system, such as a gaming machine, or a hand-held gaming device. In addition, the game may be configured to be played over the Internet. In these cases, the dealer is a virtual (electronic) dealer. 

1. A method of playing a card game which includes a main sub-game and an auxiliary sub-game, the method comprising the steps of: inviting at least one player to play the main sub-game according to pre-determined main sub-game rules; providing, to the player, an option of playing the auxiliary sub-game according to pre-determined auxiliary sub-game rules, said playing including placing a bet on the auxiliary sub-game; dealing at least one playing card, having a point value, to the player, by way of a dealer; allowing the dealer to deal at least one playing card, having a point value, to itself; if the total of the point value of the at least one card dealt to the player equals the total of the point value of the at least one card dealt to the dealer, determining that a potential winning outcome has been achieved by the player in the auxiliary sub-game where the player has elected to play the auxiliary sub-game; if such a potential winning outcome has been achieved, awarding the player a prize in accordance with said auxiliary sub-game rules based at least partially on the at least one card dealt to the player.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of dealing at least one playing card is constituted by dealing at least two playing cards, and the step of allowing the dealer to deal at least one playing card is constituted by allowing the dealer to deal at least two playing cards.
 3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of awarding the player a prize in accordance with said auxiliary sub-game rules includes determining a ranking of a combination of cards constituting said at least one card dealt to the player according to Poker rules.
 4. A method according to claim 2 wherein the main sub-game is one of Blackjack, Spanish 21, and
 21. 5. A method according to claim 4 including the step of awarding the player a prize in accordance with said main sub-game rules in the event that the point value of the at least one card dealt to the player is closer to 21 than that of the dealer provided that neither the point value relating to the player or dealer exceeds
 21. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of inviting at least one player to play the main sub-game includes inviting the player to place a bet on the main sub-game.
 7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the step of inviting at least one player to play the main sub-game includes inviting the player to place a bet on the main sub-game prior to the step of dealing at least one playing card to the player.
 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said placing a bet on the auxiliary sub-game is constituted by placing the bet prior to the step of dealing at least one playing card to the player.
 9. A method according to claim 1, where the card game is played on an electronically operable system, wherein said dealer is a virtual dealer
 10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said electronically operable system includes at least one of: a gaming machine, a hand-held gaming device and the Internet. 